Rumor Only - Mini System Camera Based on Leica X-Vario?

Image Source: http://www.the.me/the-leica-mini-m-wont-be-full-frame-itll-be-an-x-vario-system-camera/

 

The Photography Daily THEME has posted that an anticipated compact, more reasonably priced Leica system camera (as compared to the M cameras) will be based on the APS-C sensor X-Vario design.

 

(Click Here) to read the post on THEME.

 

This could make some sense, as the X-Vario was touted (I think quite incorrectly) as the "Mini-M" when first announced. The X-Vario seems to be a fine camera, but an M it is not.

 

THEME also reports that the new system will retain the APS-C sensor size, rather than going to Micro 4/3. That's kind of a shame, as I'd love to see Leica move into Micro 4/3. On the other hand, they're already there through their collaboration with Panasonic, and the Leica-branded Micro 4/3 Panasonic lenses are wonderful. I have the 45mm f2.8 Macro-Elmarit and the 25mm f1.4 Summilux; both are just plain excellent.

 

THEME also mentions that while the new system body is likely to be built in Germany in Leica's new plant, lenses may be sourced from Japan through the same collaboration with Panasonic.

 

More power to both companies! From my perspective, anything that keeps them working together to bring great new alternatives to photographers is a positive thing!

 

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Leica X-Vario Images

Image Source: http://us.leica-camera.com/photography/compact_cameras/x_vario/

 

Let's face it. Most purchases of Leica equipment, mine included, have little to do with logic.

 

The new Leica X-Vario camera is generating a lot of conversation, and proving that art and logic don't always go together. What's all the conversation about?

 

Well, the new X-Vario is a compact camera with a zoom lens, not interchangeable. It has a nice big APS-C sensor, but the lens aperture is pretty small (f3.5-f6.4), meaning it's not designed for low level existing light photography, which is where Leica is legendary. It's also very expensive compared to other options, but that's Leica, folks.

 

Some people are actually using the camera. The results I've seen look pretty exciting. I found an image post on getdpi forums.

 

Once they get over picking on each other and commenting on the camera, some of the images are really quite impressive.

 

(Click Here) to read the comments, and more importantly, see some real images from the X-Vario.

 

In my opinion, the only thing Leica did wrong with the X-Vario was to advertise it as the "mini-M." I'm positive that it's a very capable little camera; it's just designed for something quite different than the M, in my opinion.

 

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What About That Ricoh APS-C With Leica M Mount?

The Leica GXR, announced in 2011, offers a module to mount Leica M lenses on a 12 megapixel APS-C sensor. I have not seen many results from this combination, or read many user reviews.

 

(Click Here) to read dpreview's preview of the camera. It sure looks nice.

 

Why am I thinking about this? Well, I saw this picture:

 

Image Source: http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=129442

 

(Click Here) to read the original post on rangefinderforum.

 

This camera requires an add-on electronic viewfinder, if you don't want to shoot from the LCD.

 

I've always been a fan of Ricoh cameras. I haven't tried any of their digital offerings. Since I have the Leica M9, this isn't too attractive to me. If I wasn't lucky enough to have the M9, this may be a serious contender, in the running with one of the new Fuji X series, to which you can adapt Leica lenses. However, the Fuji has the added feature of an optical finder, a major plus in my opinion.

 

In any case, it's nice to see such a high quality image produced with the Ricoh. I really like this shot.

 

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Could the Ricoh GR Digital V Be Another Runner in the Large Sensor Compact Market?

My wife has been using my Panasonic DMC-LX5 a lot recently. Given her record with damaging cameras, I'm starting to look for a replacement. Honestly, I probably should have taken advantage of the holiday deals on the DMC-LX7. It was available for $275. Now, it's back over $400.

New Ricoh Digital with APS-C Sensor Coming?

Image Source: http://www.petapixel.com/2013/01/21/ricoh-gr-digital-v-to-feature-an-aps-c-sensor/

 

 

In any case, it's a good time to look again and see what's out there. I would like a larger sensor than the LX7 offers. That brings up some excellent new cameras, all with large sensors and compact designs. Namely, I'm thinking of the new Sony RX1, Leica X2, and Fujifilm X100s. All of these are fixed-lens designs, without zooms. For my purposes, I think I want a zoom. This will be my pocket camera - the backup when needed, or sometimes the only camera I'll carry on a short trip. The Panasonic DMC-LX7 would be perfect, if it just had a little larger sensor.

 

Anyway, I read this short post about the possibility of a new Ricoh compact that may have an APS-C (larger than most other compact cameras) sensor.

 

(Click Here) to read the post on PetaPixel.

 

I think this one will likely have a fixed focal length lens as well. The GR IV does. But, I'll keep my eyes open.

 

Right now, the Fuji X20 seems like a possible good upgrade from the LX5. But, while it's sensor is bigger than the LX5 (and LX7), it's still much smaller than APS-C. Another potential is the Sony RX100, but it doesn't have a viewfinder of any type, so that's not going to work for me.

 

DMC-365.blogspot.com

 

 

Miroslav Mosko Gives In-Depth Analysis of His Experience With Fujifilm X100 on Steve Huff Photo

As I've mentioned, I'm intrigued by the line of Fujifilm cameras, mostly the X100 (and the newly-announced X100S). As DMC-365 is all about the interface between equipment and creativity, I thoroughly enjoyed a post by Miroslav Mosko, posted on stevehuffphoto.com.

 

Fujifilm X100, by Miroslav Mosko

Image Source: http://www.stevehuffphoto.com/2013/01/16/user-report-my-road-to-the-fuji-x100-by-miroslav-mosko/

 

Miroslav also shoots a Nikon D700. We both agree on the spectacular features of that camera. He wanted something smaller, simpler. Miroslav purchased a classic Nikon FM2 and 50mm lens, another of my favorites. While he does not mind waiting for film processing, he found that it was not a practical everyday camera, and really didn't like handing over control of processing to someone else.

 

Interested in the X100, Miroslav downloaded raw files from the web and processed them himself. Overall, he was not impressed. This fact, coupled with all of the nitpicking on online blogs about shortcomings of the X100 nearly convinced him to give up on the X100.

 

Miroslav was very impressed by the work of a Canadian photographer, on the blog LaROQUE.

 

(Click Here) to see LaROQUE - beautiful!

 

Based on LaROQUE alone, Miroslav decided to go for it. He bought an X100. Miroslav gives a well-balanced evaluation, including critical analysis of many features. His X100 had to go back to the factory as the sensor wasn't clean right out of the box. Completely unacceptable, especially on a fixed lens camera!

 

In the end, however, Miroslav just plain loved using the X100. He reports that digital noise, while present, is very film-like, as is the color.

 

I really enjoyed Miroslav's piece, because it does demonstrate how equipment affects the creative process. It also illustrates how there are some intangible things, things that can't be written into a specification table or analyzed by taking pictures of focus targets and brick walls at iso 3200, that have a huge impact on how we enjoy our craft.

 

(Click Here) to read Miroslav's entry on stevehuffphoto.com

 

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Well, It's No Surprise, But the New Zeiss Lenses for Mirrorless Are Not For Micro 4/3 - Yet?

 

Image Source: http://forum.getdpi.com/forum/sony/40472-awesome-zeiss-lenses-news.html

 

Carl Zeiss has introduced a new line of autofocus prime lenses for mirrorless camera systems. Unfortunately for Lumix users, formats don't include Micro 4/3, at least not at this point. I guess this is no surprise, given Zeiss' relationship with Sony. Of course the NEX mount is the main platform.

(Click Here) to read more details on the Zeiss site.

At this point, they've announced the following lenses: 12mm f2.8, 32mm f1.8, and 50mm f2.8 macro.

What is a little surprising to me is that they did include the Fujifilm XPro mount. Great news for Fuji and users!

These three lenses all have autofocus capability, with complete system compatibility. None of them offer image stabilization.

Zeiss reports that they will be around the 1,000 Euro mark in price, and should be available in spring/summer 2013.

In the article, Dr. Michael Pollman, Consumer Lenses Product and Program Manager, leaves the door open for future Micro 4/3 lenses. He states that Zeiss wanted to focus on the larger APS-C sensor market first. He also makes it clear that the focal length and size of lenses designed for APS-C would not be optimal for Micro 4/3. I can go along with that. The 12mm focal length is well-covered by an excellent Olympus product, and the macro is covered by the Pana-Leica Macro-Elmarit 45mm f2.8.

Well, Dr. Pollman, us Micro 4/3 users will keep our fingers crossed! We'd love to welcome Zeiss lenses to our cameras.

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